America learns to love the bicycle

The number of US commuters cycling to work has risen by approximately 60 percent over the last decade, according to a new study.

20.05.2014

The number of US commuters cycling to work has risen by approximately 60 percent over the last decade, according to a new study.

According to the US Census Bureau, an average of 786,000 employees cycled to work each year between 2008 and 2012, compared to just 488,000 back in 2000 -- the largest percentage increase of all other commuting modes.

The health-conscious city of Portland, Oregon, is leading the way with the highest rate of bicycle commuters at 6.1 percent.

And it seems that men are more likely to cycle to work than the fairer sex, with 0.8 percent hopping on their bike to head to the office, compared to 0.3 percent of women.

However, it isn't just cycling that is enjoying a revival, as increasing numbers of commuters are also opting to walk to work.

Workers between the ages of 16 and 24 commute the most on foot, with 6.8 percent walking to work.

According to the report, the average walking commute time was 11.5 minutes, while the average bicycle commute was 19.3 minutes.

Overall the Northeast region showed the highest rate of walking to work at 4.7 percent, while the West had the highest rate of biking to work at 1.1 percent. The South had the lowest rate of biking and walking to work.

An interactive map detailing the commuting habits of each state has also been published alongside the report.See the full report here.